Resellers live for the Olympics

Rio 2016 is now less than two months away, which means that we’re just a few weeks removed from being able to purchase new country themed gear.

For an average person, the above statement means less than words in a fortune cookie, but for those with their fingers on the pulse of urban fashion, you know how much of a big deal this is.

Instagram timelines have been plastered with guys in country themed Ralph Lauren polos for the better part of the last two years, and with one of the greatest advertising battles in the world set to commence, don’t think it’s about to slow down now.

Company’s like Ralph Lauren, Nike, Adidas and Puma have already released or previewed their Olympic collections, meaning that there’s a group of friends plotting to buy 10 pairs of Olympic Kd 9’s from their neighborhood Foot locker by the time you read this. This would be fine if this was happening at one store, but for the fact, that everyone that considers themselves a reseller is already making a move for a huge supply of the lavish threads is enough to make anyone upset.

The internet and social media has helped people track down rare pieces that they wouldn’t be able to find just thrifting, and has also helped to create sneaker and clothing trade shows, but it has also created an insane amount of hype in the sneaker culture and its artificially inflating prices.

Olympic gear is pretty affordable for the most part, Ralph Lauren polo’s usually retail for about $50-80, but in the hands of a reseller, that same shirt could easily go for about $120-$130. The same stands true for sneakers, hats and any other themed merchandise.

If you aren’t lucky enough to get in your order before what you want is sold out, don’t panic, because it’s guaranteed that you’ll be able to find it on the internet. Now it’s all about knowing what’s reasonable and what’s unacceptable.

Anyone charging double or more is out of their minds. They’ll use the fact that the gear is a part of a limited collection as a reason for pricing, but a lot of it will be around loosely until fall, so there’s no need to rush. If you’re able to cop some gear maybe $20-$30 above retail value, that’ll probably be the best deal you could get.However, most things will usually be $40-$50 above retail value.

There will also be a lot of knockoffs floating around, so it’s important to examine what you’re buying.